GROSS PRAISES MURRAY'S FORWARD KNOWLEDGE

7 February 2018

Paul Hazlewood Glenn Murray thanks Pascal Gross for setting up his goal against West Ham United.

Kieran Cleeves

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Pascal Gross urged his team-mates to continue working hard for each other in Saturday’s game against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium, and praised Glenn Murray for the knowledge he shows on the pitch.

The German playmaker laid on Murray’s opener against West Ham United at the Amex Stadium last weekend - his third assist for the striker this season - and he commented on his partnership with Albion’s top goalscorer.

He said, “Whoever the striker is that I play with, I always try to have a good relationship with them. Glenn has a good feeling about where to go in the box and knows where he can score goals.

“I try my best to bring my team-mates into good positions, and Glenn usually knows when the ball is coming - that’s one of his strengths.

“Also, when he’s one-on-one, he knows when to come in front of his marker or cut inside of them.

“When we play against a difficult team, it’s always good to have someone who can hold the ball up. It’s important for the team.

“Not only Glenn - everyone in the team has to try and keep hold of the ball. We have to help each other when somebody has the ball, give options and make it as hard as possible for the other team.”

Gross fired home his fifth goal of the season against the Hammers - also his third goal from outside the penalty area - and the 26-year-old stressed his desire to get shots off in and around the 18-yard box.

“I’m very happy with my performance in the last game - when I can help the team with goals and assists, we can win the game and I think that was very important for us.

“When I shoot around the box, I know I can score goals - it’s one of my strengths.

“It’s not always my first focus, because sometimes my team-mate is in a better position to shoot at goal.

“But every time I get the ball in a good position, I always consider trying a shot at goal.”

The Seagulls come up against the Potters in an important game in the battle against Premier League relegation, and Gross believes his hard-working contribution can help the team, when both defending and going forward.

“I can score and make assists, but one of my main strengths is working against the ball, to win it back.

“I’m not a player that waits until we win the ball, I work hard and fight for it. You have more chances to score goals when you play like this.

“We played well at the weekend, we’re confident and know it’s a massive game for both teams this weekend. We'll do our best to get a good result.”